Sacrifice by Gwedolyn Beynon

Melangell is a ‘Lifebringer’, a dragon-maiden learning to protect one of the land’s most ancient mysteries, y Ddraig. She expects to pass her years as have a score of teachers before her—sequestered, safeguarding an egg that barely moves from year to year, never using the deadly and secret skills she has been taught. But the King’s relentless pursuit of this most holy relic throws her into the middle of war and though she is not yet adept Melangell must enter captivity with the egg to defend the sleeping dragonling within.

Her abductor is Cai ap Cynyr—fierce warrior, loyal brother and sword-arm to the high Chieftain, Artwr. He has been scouring the land for the relics Artwr demands to ensure triumph against the Angles invading from the east. Cai uses the Lifebringer’s mystique to master his armsmen, but when he spirits Melangell and the dragon egg further into seclusion, she grows intrigued by her captor. But she is a Lifebringer—sworn only to y Ddraig—and Cai must deliver the dragonling to Artwr to at last drag himself out of his legendary brother’s deep shadow.

And all the while, the egg readies itself to emerge…

*Sacrifice is the first in a series of three books based around y Ddraig (the Dragon) set in sixth-century Arthurian Wales, featuring characters based on Welsh myth, literature and/or history.

Review

copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

Historical Fantasy is not always an automatic read for me but when I saw the description for "Sacrifice" I was intrigued. From the very beginning I was intrigued and engulfed in the story. I wanted to see where the author would take Melangell. Melangell was fascinating. She was a great heroine and she did not disappoint. Equally as intriguing was Cai ap Cynyr. Cai ap and Melangell are on completely opposites sides of the team but their connection is hard to deny. I loved the adventure and the tension in the story. I thought the author presented a very satisfying story. There was a great battle between very different forces and a big adventure. As loyalties are tested both Cai and Melangell have to reevaluate what they assumed to be their journey in live. Although it was bittersweet to finish this book I was happy to hear it is the first one in a series. I personally cannot wait!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Australian author, Gwendolyn Beynon, comes from a long line of storytellers of Welsh and Cornish stock. She grew up reading romance and fantasy novels but the y Ddraig series is her first foray into historical fantasy.

The idea for the y Ddraig series came while on a pilgrimage to Wales (the land of her fathers) where she was visiting holy wells and ancient yew trees. She grew captivated with the way that the ancient stories of Welsh literature, myth and history still co-existed comfortably in contemporary Cymru, and by the atmosphere of mystery that still exists around much of Wales’ natural spaces.

An Arts graduate from Curtin University (with double-majors in Film and Theatre), Gwen has worked in communications all her life. She sold her first book in 2008 and has been writing for a living with her hounds at her feet and Celtic music as a backdrop ever since.